multi-award winning and GRAMMY® Nominated percussionist

Christian Pepin

Multi-Percussionist | Drummer | Educator | Clinician

About

“If a conga could talk and sing, it would certainly be the voice of Christian Pepin, for he speaks through his instrument. Equally fluent in Jazz, Salsa and other Latin and World idioms, his fluid versatility sets him apart. Christian’s total command of his instrument allows him a freedom of expression that is at once captivating and liberating, powerful and genuine.” 

A musical multilinguist, multi-award winning and 2016 GRAMMY® Nominated Percussionist Christian Pepin is a versatile musician that embodies the soul of a percussionist that inherently stirs the human spirit. From his supersonic slaps to the thunderous open tones and heavy hitting bass notes, the young Christian Pepin shows perceptiveness and adoration for Latin and World music. His keen sense, gifted interpretation of music, and the influence of the New York streets have allowed Christian to translate his bliss. Whether it be on the stage or set to Avant-garde Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, he can make his drums speak fluently to any listener.

From his humble roots in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Christian Pepin has played music all his life. His father, a gifted musician in his own right, and mother, a talented vocalist, gave him a set of drums at the tender age of six. As he became older, he made the transition to timbale, then congas, and onto bongo all while perfecting his musical craft. Music is innately a dominant part of the Pepin family: his great-grandfather Toño Pepin, his Grandfather Papo Pepin, and his cousin Bobby Allende. All musical icons and legends in their own right. Music breathes life into the soul of Christian Pepin that sustains him as a musician.

He moved to Spokane, WA from New York City with his family during his teenage years and continued his studies. He learned to improvise many styles such as Rumba, which helped shape and develop Christian's melodic, versatile, and danceable sound.

In 2001, Christian moved to Seattle where he continued to develop his unique sound as well as a strong following. During that time, he excelled in Marching Band and went on to play all instruments in the Battery, also known as the 'Drum Line'. Christian fell in love with a third bass drum for its complex and challenging odd time. Later In mid-2005, he was asked to join the Cascade Marching Band touring all over the U.S.

In 2008, he started touring with many Latin, World, Rock and R&B artist where he began to develop a very versatile style of playing. Being able to adjust to many types of situations playing each with class and sophistication.

In 2012, Christian moved to San Francisco where he was asked to fly down to record the Grammy Winning album entitled "PMO" Pacific Mambo Orchestra.

Since then, he has and continues to tour all over the world. He has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Poncho Sanchez, Tommy Igoe, Nestor Torres, Pete Escovedo, Steve Turre, Sheila E., Jarobi White, Trevor Hall.

We are Orquesta

Bémbe

Originally created and produced by 2X Award Winning Percussionist and GRAMMY® Nominated artist Christian Pepin and Berklee College of Music Graduate and Grand Pianist Erick Peralta. The concept is very simple, a 10 piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra. A very unique sound when it pertains to Salsa, Latin Jazz, Traditional Cuban and Tropical Pop.

The band is led by Co-Leader Christian Pepin & Erick Peralta who handle the roles of Percussionist, and Pianist. Erick a fierce piano player who some call...

" A Chick Corea infused with Monk, and influences of Papo Luca!"

A true gem and a very important member of the band.

Along with Bembé, you have an all star rhythm section...

On Congas, GRAMMY® Award Winning Percussionist Carlos Caro. Carlos is a world renowned percussionist who performs with Los Tigres del Norte along with many others. He is considered one of todays top Percussionist in the world.

On Bongo, Mr. Oscar Soltero. One of the top percussionist in the Bay Area.

On Bass, you have Cuba's very own Ernesto Mazar Kindelán. A talented Composer/Arranger and master of his own style and interpretation when it pertains to Latin. Jazz and other styles of Music.

On Sax/Flut, we have the great Galen Green. One of the Bays top Jazz/Latin Jazz musicians, who is also a great Arranger/Composer.

On Trombones we have multi GRAMMY® Award Winner Mike Rinta. A well respected Trombonist as well as Arrangers and Composers. Tombonist for

Sly and The Family Stone among many others.

On Trumpet, Mr. Bill Ortega III. A well respected Trumpeter/Vocalist and Musical Director for Orq. Borinquen.

On Vocals we have Juan Luis Perez a multi-talented vocalist, producer, songwriter and one of the best vocalist in the entire Bay Area.

All these amazing musicians make the magic to Orquesta Bembé and I assure you, it's a sound you'll never forget. Look out for this 9 piece ensemble. Currently they're in the studio recording their first full length album coming in 2018!

Take you on an exhilarating performs at Yoshi's San Francisco, fusing rhythms from different countries of Latin America. Countries such as Peru, Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba and many others. Musicians…

Christian Pepin - Drums/MD

Alex Conde - Piano

David Pinto - Bass

Carlos Caro - Congas/Percussion

Special Guest Vocalist - Kina Mendez

Musicians

Musical Director, Timbal / Christian Pepin

Co-Director, Keyboard / Eric Peralta

Vocals / Juan Luis Perez

Bass / Ernesto Mazar

Congas / Carlos Caro

Bongo / Oscar Soltero

Trumpet / Bill Ortega III

Trombone / Mike Rinta

Sax / Galen Green

EDUCATION

“I believe that teaching and understanding music is important to the development of a student, as a whole. It enables the student to use and understand sound as a medium of expression and communication and contributes to the students spiritual, moral and social education. “

Click on the Yelp link below to see why others are trusting and learning so much from our talented educator Mr. Christian Pepin, help teach your loved ones or yourself how to play Drums and Percussion and what they can expect to share to the world.